Internationally acclaimed playwright Mbongeni Ngema was banned from Joburg Market Theatre nine months before his untimely death after allegations of “acts of misconduct were levelled “against him.
Ngema’s jaw-dropping ban from the theatre was revealed in an email written to him by Market Theatre Foundation’s artistic director, Greg Homann, on March 29 last year.
The email was sent to us by an irate family member, who disapproved of Market Theatre Foundation’s partnership with the Gauteng provincial government to posthumously honour the late icon by conducting annual lectures at the institution.
According to the email, Ngema, the doyen of theatre, had proposed to stage his production, Black, at the theatre.
In the email, which we have seen, Homann said Ngema, who died in a horrific car crash on December 27 last year while en route to a funeral in the Eastern Cape, was not allowed to present his new work in the theatre because of widely reported acts of misconduct at other national theatres against him.
The email reads in parts: “Dear Mbongeni Ngema, I am writing to inform you that your proposal to present a new work at the Market Theatre will not be considered any further. The Market Theatre Foundation has carefully thought through having BLACK on the John Kani stage, and, in doing so, has taken into account widely reported acts of misconduct at other national theatres involving you.
“As an organisation committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in the performing arts, we take such reports seriously and must act in the best interest of our patrons, artists, and employees.”
Although he did not disclose details of Ngema’s alleged offences, Homann hinted production employees were not safe in his presence.
“While we appreciate your past contributions to our theatre and acknowledge your artistic contribution, we must prioritise the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in our productions,” he said in the email.
Homann further said it was a risk to have his work in the theatre because his company, Committed Artists, owed the theatre money.
“In addition, our records show that your company, Committed Artists, still owes us a significant amount dating back to 2014. The financial risk of having your production at The Market Theatre is a further concern. We understand that this decision may be disappointing, but we hope that you will understand our position and our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all,” Homann stated in the email.
In his State of the Province Address (Sopa), Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that, in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the performing arts, they will launch the annual Mbongeni Ngema Lecture in partnership with the Market Theatre, and the National Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.
But Ngema’s next of kin, said, although they applaud Panyaza’s move to honour the Stimela hitmaker, he should remove the Market Theatre Foundation from the partnership.
“They humiliated him when he was alive, and now that he is dead, they want to pretend that they loved him.
“These hypocrites who run our Market Theatre have no shame and no regard for a black child,” said the relative.
Homann said he was surprised the family was offended because he had a friendly conversation with them after his death. He declined to comment further.
